Jiang Zemin

“Since 1976, changes have been introduced to a rigidly collectivized economy in order to build up socialism, not to abandon it.”

Current Communist Party leader Xi Jinping praised Jiang in an hour-long address at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

One can attribute many of China’s current achievements and problems to policies initiated during Jiang’s tenure. 

Many Chinese associate the late Jiang with an era seen as brighter and more hopeful than the literal and figurative lockdown Xi has brought upon China.

Jiang led China from 1989 to 2002, a period that saw explosive growth in China’s economy and global status but also laid the seeds for many of the issues facing the country today.

Surprises are possible at the CCP’s most scripted event – but this year, any hopes for an “October surprise” are wishful thinking.

Xi Jinping is the first leader since 1978 not to be constrained by powerful elders in the CCP.

“Although their respective periods of rule are four decades apart, and China has changed so much in the interim, it is really quite striking just how much Mao and Xi have in common.”

Meet China’s “toad worshipers.”

Wang rose to China's political heights on the strength of his ideas.

The move helps Xi consolidate control over the military while avoiding a major backlash.

China's foreign policy can be expected to remain assertive as it grows increasingly ambitious under Xi Jinping.